Khosla's Equation For Volume Of Sediment Yield Per Year From Catchment Area Calculator

Khosla's Equation:

\[ Q_{sv} = 0.00323 \times A^{0.72} \]

Volume of Sediment Yield per Year:

Unit Converter ▲

Unit Converter ▼

From:	To:

1. What is Khosla's Equation?

Khosla's Equation is an empirical formula used to estimate the volume of sediment yield per year from a catchment area. It provides a simplified approach to predict annual sediment transport based on the catchment area size.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses Khosla's Equation:

\[ Q_{sv} = 0.00323 \times A^{0.72} \]

Where:

\( Q_{sv} \) — Volume of Sediment Yield per Year (km³/year)
\( A \) — Area of Catchment (km²)
0.00323 — Empirical coefficient
0.72 — Empirical exponent

Explanation: The equation shows a power-law relationship between catchment area and sediment yield, where sediment yield increases with catchment area but at a decreasing rate.

3. Importance of Sediment Yield Calculation

Details: Accurate sediment yield estimation is crucial for reservoir design, watershed management, erosion control planning, and environmental impact assessments. It helps predict siltation rates in reservoirs and waterways.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the catchment area in square kilometers. The value must be greater than zero. The calculator will compute the estimated annual sediment yield volume.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is sediment yield?
A: Sediment yield is the total amount of erosional debris exported from a drainage basin or catchment area over a specific period, typically one year.

Q2: How accurate is Khosla's Equation?
A: As an empirical equation, its accuracy depends on regional conditions. It provides a reasonable estimate but should be validated with local data for critical applications.

Q3: What factors affect sediment yield besides catchment area?
A: Climate, topography, soil type, vegetation cover, land use practices, and rainfall intensity all significantly influence sediment yield rates.

Q4: Can this equation be used for small catchments?
A: Yes, but caution should be exercised as empirical relationships may have different scaling behaviors at very small or very large catchment sizes.

Q5: What are the limitations of Khosla's Equation?
A: The equation doesn't account for variations in climate, geology, topography, or human activities that significantly affect erosion and sediment transport processes.